"The Hunger Games was insane. We sold out, like, really fast. Anything having to do with Katniss—her costume—or, the city people," said Savers Costume Coordinator Nina Konczak.

"Scary" still has a firm hold with kids, and anything zombie is a strong sell.

"We sold out of our fake blood right away. We sold out of zombies right away—like, used clothes they can rip up," said Konczak.

For high school and older, however, Konczak says costume hunters tend to put down the "scare" for a little more flare: "Scandalous" costumes are really, really popular—sexy bees, or ladybugs, or the Playboy Bunny."

Many guys, however, claim that they're not about to let the girls have all the fun.

"We get large groups of college–aged guys, and they all buy odd–looking little skirts or shirts," said Konczak, laughing.

But, whether it's a tight budget, or just the need to be original, making a costume from scratch seems to be the way to go across the board.

"People are becoming a lot more creative, and you can really pull together an awesome costume that looks good—that's authentic," said Terry Hanninen, with Savers.

"Optimus Prime: cardboard box [my friend] had painted himself—headlights and everything. And he must've only spent about $10–$15 on a costume," said Nick Pawlenty, co-founder of Duluth hip hop group, "Strictly Hammers," about one of his personal favorite custom costumes. Pawlenty was spending his day at Savers looking for some original ideas.

But don't underestimate the international music sensation, Psy, who's bound to turn this Halloween "Gangnam Style."

'I'm sure we'll see some of that. I think we'll see more of the dance moves than anything," laughed Pawlenty.

Total spending during this haunted holiday is expected to reach 8 billion dollars nationwide.